Christian author Heather Thompson Day and her husband, Seth Day, have been arrested in Texas following an investigation into allegations of physical abuse involving a teenage girl who reportedly had visible injuries to her face and head.

Heather Marie Day, professionally known as Heather Thompson Day, and her husband, Seth Michael Day, both 39, were arrested in Keene, Texas, on 24 September, according to court documents. Heather was charged with injury to a child by omission, while Seth was charged with injury to a child. He was additionally charged with sexual assault of a child on 25 September, according to reports citing police records. The allegations have not been proven in court.

The investigation began after a high school teacher contacted police about the teenager's injuries. According to the arrest affidavit, the girl told investigators that Seth Day had struck her with a mobile phone, allegedly causing visible lacerations and bruising.

Heather Thompson Day Says Husband Is a Pastor During Bond Hearing

During a bond hearing on 24 September, Heather Day told the judge, 'I am a professor of communication, my husband's a pastor! This is not true!' according to footage reported by Spectrum.

However, reports claim that Day had not taught at a university since 2024, when she left Andrews University. Her husband had not worked in full-time ministry since 2021, according to the publication. Seth Day was an assistant professor of psychology at Southwestern Adventist University before his arrest.

Heather Thompson Day is also a Christian author and former podcast host who co-wrote the relationship book I'll See You Tomorrow with her husband. The couple's professional and religious backgrounds have drawn attention to the case, although their public roles do not establish the truth or otherwise of the allegations.

Heather Day Receives $100,000 Bond and 91-Day No-Contact Order

During a bond hearing on 24 September, the court set Heather Day's bond at $100,000. She was later released after posting bond. An emergency protective order barred both parents from contacting their children, and both were required to wear monitoring devices after their release on bond.

Day appeared distressed as officials explained the restrictions. She repeatedly expressed disbelief at the situation and asked whether her lawyer could have the protective order changed. Officials explained that her attorney could request a modification through the court, where prosecutors would have an opportunity to present evidence supporting the order.

Day also challenged the allegations, telling officials that Child Protective Services (CPS) had informed her the previous day that it did not believe the claims were true and was shocked by what had happened to her. This was her account of what CPS had told her, rather than an independently confirmed finding presented during the hearing.

How Investigators Learned of the Teenager's Injuries

According to the arrest affidavit, the teacher reported the teenager's injuries to Keene police on 24 September. The girl was subsequently interviewed at the Johnson County Children's Advocacy Center and received treatment at Cook Children's Medical Center, according to CBS Texas.

Investigators allege that the facial injuries occurred when Seth Day struck the teenager with a mobile phone. The affidavit also describes allegations of previous abuse and claims that Heather Day knew about the injuries but failed to report them.

The affidavit further show that Child Protective Services had previously investigated a reported incident involving the girl in August 2026. The allegations remain unproven, and neither defendant has been convicted in connection with this case.

Facial Lacerations Can Carry Risks Beyond Scarring

Facial lacerations can range from superficial cuts to deeper wounds that damage underlying tissue. Depending on their location and severity, injuries may cause bleeding, infection, permanent scarring or damage to structures around the eyes, nose and mouth.

Medical professionals may evaluate the wound's depth, check for damage to nearby structures and determine whether cleaning, closure or further investigation is necessary.

When injuries occur repeatedly or the circumstances surrounding them are unclear, clinicians may need to consider whether a patient is experiencing ongoing harm. In suspected child abuse cases, safeguarding procedures help ensure that the child's immediate safety and medical needs are addressed.

Childhood Abuse Can Affect Long-Term Mental Health

The effects of childhood abuse can extend beyond physical injuries. Experiences involving violence, fear or a lack of safety may contribute to trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression and difficulties with emotional regulation.

Children who experience repeated abuse may remain alert to potential threats even when they are no longer in immediate danger. This heightened stress response can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and the ability to feel safe around others.

Not every child exposed to abuse develops a mental health disorder, and outcomes vary depending on factors such as the duration of the experience, access to support and the presence of safe, stable relationships.

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